As homelessness becomes a growing problem in Saskatoon, city administration is looking into how much the crisis is costing the city in cleanup and service funding.

Last year, 1499 people were reported as living without a designated home, 315 of them being children. The Saskatoon Fire Department received 1,255 encampment reports last year, as well.

As will be presented to the Governance and Priorities Committee tomorrow, in 2024, the City of Saskatoon spent $600,000 on encampment cleanups.

The City is involved in numerous initiatives to mitigate homelessness, such as the Saskatoon Homelessness Action Plan, the Affordable Housing Strategy, a Community Safety and Wellbeing framework, Housing Accelerator Fund Incentives, and implementing a Community Encampment Response Plan.

Looking ahead, Administration will continue to provide regular updates to City Council, including progress on these initiatives. Also, as part of preparations for the upcoming budget cycle, work is underway on a 2026/2027 Business Plan and Budget Option that will outline financial pressures, staffing needs and impact on service levels connected to the City’s homelessness response.